Paving the path to skilled work for refugees from Ukraine and beyond

On November 25th 2020, Pearson–the world’s learning company hosted a virtual launch of its PTE Secure English Language Test (SELT) in Nigeria. These tests have been approved by the UK Home Office and are used for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes. 

SVP for English Assessment at Pearson, Freya Thomas Monk, says these tests offer a fast, fair and convenient choice for anyone who wishes to work, study or come to live in the UK.

Monk is excited about launching this product in the African continent and believes that this test will help many Nigeriens broaden their horizons and apply for opportunities in the UK. “The process is simple and brilliantly designed, interactive and most importantly a true reflection of one’s language ability. We look forward to growing on the continent.”

At the virtual launch, Ozhan Toktas, Pearson’s MD for Africa and the Middle East provided an overview of Pearson and the role the education institution will be playing in Africa going forward. He was joined by Monk who discussed the value of Pearson PTE. Alongside her, Pearson Head of Market Development Assessment, Muna Mazhar provided insights on UKVI SELT. Before the final Q&A, Deputy High Commissioner Ben Llewellyn-Jones reiterated the importance of these tests and assessments from a UK perspective.

Tests are delivered through the Pearson VUE test centre network. Pearson VUE’s network of test centres have implemented proactive health and safety measures including, but not limited to, readily available hand sanitiser, increased sanitisation in high touch areas, and disinfected testing workstations (completed between each test taker) to support the safety of testing candidates and staff.  Face masks are required at all Pearson VUE-owned test centres.

Monk says, “We continue to see high demand from test takers who want to book and deliver PTE as a Secure English Language Test, especially when it comes to applying for a UK Visa and Immigration purposes.”

This new location brings Pearson’s worldwide total of UKVI approved locations close to 150. Monk says this will help meet customer demand and give Nigerians more choice of test locations as they look to move to the UK to work, study or live.

Pearson’s Secure English Language Tests (SELT) are focused on immigration requirements and the details are as follows:  

• PTE Academic (UKVI) – a four-skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening skills. 

• PTE Home – a two-skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications as well as Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business applications. It tests Speaking and Listening skills.  

PTE Academic is one of the fastest-growing products in Pearson and is a strategic growth priority for the company, posting 17% growth in test volumes last year. The test is already accepted by the Australian and New Zealand Governments for all visa applications. It is also accepted by 100% of Australian, New Zealand and Irish universities and 99% of UK universities.

Note to Editors: 

• Pearson is the world’s learning company with more than 22,500 employees operating in 70 countries. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are committed to helping equip learners with the skills they need to enhance their employability prospects and to succeed in the changing world of work. We believe that wherever learning flourishes, so do people. View more information about Pearson.

• PTE Home is a new, computer-based English test that supports individuals, families and communities wishing to live, work or stay in the UK on their journey from arrival to settlement. Results are typically available within 48 hours, reducing the stress that can be associated with a long wait for results

• Pearson VUE has been a pioneer in the computer-based testing industry for decades, delivering more than 16 million certification and licensure exams annually in every industry from academia and admissions to IT and healthcare. We are the global leaders in developing and delivering high-stakes exams via the world’s most comprehensive network of nearly 20,000 test centres as well as online testing in over 180 countries. Our leadership in the assessment industry is a result of our collaborative partnerships with a broad range of clients, from leading technology firms to government and regulatory agencies. View more information about Pearson VUE.

• Under the UK Home Office commercial agreements Pearson will deliver a) SELT tests for those already in the UK, b) SELT tests for those in the rest of the world

• Read more information on the UK Home Office Visa and Immigration process as well as the other test providers.

Visakhapatnam: Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, recently announced the launch of a new PTE Center, which will offer PTE Academic Test (Pearson Test of English) in the Gayatri Vidya Parishad College of Engineering (Autonomous) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, to cater to the demand of study abroad aspirants. The newly launched center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facility security measures and will increase accessibility for a fast, flexible, secure, and unbiased exam for test-takers to ascertain their English language skills for the purpose of the study and work abroad.

PTE Academic is a computer-based language test, which is gaining immense popularity for providing the most accurate and impartial scoring results. To provide test score validity, all PTE Centers use state-of-the-art and industry-leading security measures such as digital biometrics, incorporating palm-scanning, secure paperless results, randomized test formats and CCTV, thereby ensuring aspirants test in a controlled and secure environment.

Commenting on the launch of the new center, Ramananda SG, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Pearson India, said: “Many students opt to study abroad every year from India and the number keeps increasing every year. English language proficiency exam plays a crucial role in providing a pathway to students aspiring to pursue higher education or work abroad. The new test center in Visakhapatnam is aligned with Pearson India’s aim to increase the reach of PTE Academic centers across India to offer easy, local access to a globally recognized, fast and reliable English language proficiency test for immigration and study abroad opportunities to aspirants. We are committed to delivering a world-class experience to our test takers and will continue to build a robust network of test centers across the country.”

PTE Academic is accepted by universities and colleges around the world including Harvard Business School, Yale University, INSEAD, and London Business School.  It is accepted by 100% of Australian and New Zealand universities and by a growing number in the USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, and Germany. The test can also be used for all the UK, Australian and New Zealand visa and migration applications.

Check available test dates and book your test today.

Pearson has announced a second wave of locations, including India and the UK, where people can now take PTE as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) purposes.

Today the UK Government approved Pearson to open bookings for SELTs in a further 72 locations. This includes the first 8 centres in the UK and 15 centres in India as well as centres in Japan, Egypt, the Philippines, South Africa, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Singapore, amongst others.

Bookings can be taken at all locations, with 57 of these locations open now to deliver testing, and the remaining 15 to open once individual COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. 

The tests will be delivered through the Pearson VUE test centre network. Pearson VUE test centres follow health and safety guidance provided by global health organizations and local governments. Amid COVID-19, the test centres operate with increased disinfecting and hygienic procedures and additional social distancing measures to support the safety of testing candidates and staff. 

Pearson’s SELT tests are as follows: 

• PTE Academic (UKVI)– a four-skills language test accepted for work and study visas. It tests speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

• PTE Home– a two skills language test accepted for family, settlement, citizenship applications as well as Sportsperson and Representative of an Overseas Business applications. It tests speaking and listening skills.

Today’s news follows our announcement last month of the first wave of locations to start delivering SELT. It is expected that all remaining SELT testing locations will become operational this summer.

Read more information on the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration process.